Student Engagement

Active engagement in learning is a critical component of success in both academics and life. From classroom discussions, study groups and team presentations to research opportunities and mentoring relationships with faculty, student engagement enhances both learning and personal development. There are opportunities for engagement every day in many of the classrooms and labs at Minnesota State Mankato; we’ve collected just a few examples of those opportunities to share with you here.

Engagement Examples

Real-World Experience

Finance students work with faculty advisors to invest real dollars as part of the Maverick Student Investment Fund course.

Solving Real-World Problems

Students in the University’s Engineers Without Borders chapter visited a village in El Salvador and are working with the people there to help provide easier access to fresh water.

Integrating Coursework

The College of Business’s innovative Integrated Business Experience program allows students to take what they are learning and use it to launch and run an actual business.

Research Opportunities

Psychology students work with faculty to collect and analyze data and prepare posters to present at conferences.

Hands-on Learning

In the School of Nursing’s state-of-the-art simulation lab, nursing students work through real-life medical situations with life-sized simulation mannequins that mimic nearly every problem that could arise with actual patients as well.

Applied Learning

Dental Hygiene students practice their skills, and provide a valuable service to the community, by offering free clinics for local school children.

Capstone Projects

For their capstone projects, senior Civil Engineering students are working on plans for a University biotechnology laboratory and parking facility, as well as a 330-bed residence hall and common space.

Mentoring Programs

The interdisciplinary Mentored Academic Experience (MAX) program provides scholarships for students in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. MAX scholars attend weekly seminars, participate in projects, peer mentoring and professional development activities, and are often offered internship and research opportunities as well.